Pressure surrounding Casey Wasserman is no longer limited to the entertainment industry - it has now reached the leadership of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is urging Wasserman to step down as chair of LA28, the official organizing committee responsible for planning and delivering the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Her comments follow renewed scrutiny tied to 2003 email exchanges between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell that resurfaced in recently released Epstein-related court documents.
It is important to note that Jeffrey Epstein had no role in LA28 or the 2028 Olympics. The controversy stems solely from past correspondence between Wasserman and Maxwell, years before Maxwell and Epstein's crimes became publicly known.
Still, the renewed attention has triggered political concern over optics and leadership stability as Los Angeles prepares to host one of the world's most high-profile global events.
Why Are Officials Calling for His Resignation?
During a recent interview, Mayor Bass said that while she does not have the authority to remove Wasserman, she believes new leadership should be considered.
"The board made a decision. I think that was unfortunate. I don't support the decision," Bass said, referencing LA28's decision to retain Wasserman following an independent review.
Several Los Angeles City Council members and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn have echoed that call, arguing that continued controversy could distract from preparations for the 2028 Games.
Critics emphasize that their concerns are about focus and public perception - not allegations of wrongdoing tied to the Olympic organizing committee itself.
LA28 Board Continues to Back Wasserman
Despite mounting political pressure, the LA28 Executive Committee Board has publicly supported Wasserman.
The board said it hired outside counsel to conduct an independent review of Wasserman's past interactions with Epstein and Maxwell and concluded that his relationship did not extend beyond what has already been publicly documented.
Wasserman has apologized for the emails, stating they predate the public exposure of Epstein and Maxwell's crimes. He has also said his only direct interaction with Epstein was a single humanitarian trip in 2002.
For now, LA28 leadership remains unchanged.
Business Fallout Expands the Pressure
The political calls for resignation come as Wasserman has also moved to stabilize his business interests.
As previously reported in our coverage of Casey Wasserman turning to Moelis to launch an agency sale amid escalating Epstein fallout, the executive has retained investment bank Moelis & Company to formally pursue a sale of his talent and sports marketing agency.
Earlier reporting detailed how the controversy led to agency-level fallout and mounting scrutiny within the entertainment industry, adding to the broader pressure surrounding his leadership roles.
In a memo to staff, Wasserman acknowledged that he believes he has "become a distraction."
What Happens Next for the 2028 Olympics?
With the Summer Games scheduled for July 2028, attention is now turning to whether continued political pressure could impact LA28's leadership structure.
While Mayor Bass and several local officials have voiced opposition, ultimate authority over the organizing committee rests with its board.
For now, Wasserman remains chair of the committee responsible for delivering the Los Angeles Olympics - even as scrutiny continues across both political and business fronts.
